Pharmacology Lecture Classes with Powerpoint Presentation: Perception of Phase II Medical Students
Abstract
Medical education is using technology extensively to make teaching-learning more impactful. When supported with visual aids, the learning process gets enhanced. Nowadays, PowerPoint (PPT) is used widely to deliver lecture content effectively. Different studies have shown that although PowerPoint is effective, students' perception is highly polarized. An observational, cross-sectional questionnaire-based online study was conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacology for Phase II Medical students of Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune. One hundred twenty-four students were included in the study.71% of students showed an inclination towards PowerPoint with a whiteboard as an effective teaching aid. Although students showed a positive perception of PPTs, saying they are helpful in different ways, 62% of students asserted that they cannot be considered a substitute for the lecture class. For better impact, 75% of students insisted on sharing PPTs on the students' portal, while 18% felt sufficient time should be given to note the content. PPT was not favored when the presentation was speedy (60%), the content and number of slides were copious (29%), its delivery was monotonous (32%), and without interaction (27%). 47% of students believed that student-teacher interaction during lectures depends upon the teacher rather than the teaching tool. PowerPoint emerged, hands down, as the best teaching tool, provided it's used skillfully to make teaching interactive and well-paced.
